A BOY of 16 was shot in the chest by a gunman who opened fire at a house full of partygoers.

A BOY of 16 was shot in the chest by a gunman who opened fire at a house full of partygoers.

The attacker, who was armed with a handgun, fired up to half a dozen shots from the street through the front window and door of a house in Williams Street, Gorton, Manchester, at 1am yesterday.

The victim, who is from Gorton, underwent emergency surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary. His condition was described today as ''stable''.

Following the incident, the street of terrace homes was cordoned off as forensic teams went in and out of the house.

Shocked neighbours said they had heard a number of shots in the early hours of the morning.

Crammed

Police say about 15 people were crammed into the front room of the house as the shots were fired.

Detective Inspector Mark Roberts said: ''We have nothing at this stage to suggest this shooting is linked to any of the previous shootings which have taken place recently, but we are exploring a number of leads and possible motives.

''The offender shot through the living room window and, judging by the position of the bullet holes in the house, it is miraculous no one else was hurt or killed.''

Detectives do not at this stage believe the youngster was the intended target, but say they cannot rule this out.

They are exploring a number of motives. One is that the shooting could be linked to an earlier dispute. They are still investigating this possibility.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the attacker to come forward. They also want to speak to partygoers who may have left the house before the police arrived.

It is not yet known whether the attacker worked alone or with an accomplice or whether he made his escape in a car or on foot. The attack came after a series of shootings in Manchester the previous weekend.

Two men were killed and five others were targeted during the incidents in Crumpsall, Ashton, Moss Side and Bolton.

Anyone with information about the latest shooting is asked to contact Longsight detectives on (0161) 856 4240.